FRESNO – The Successor Agency of the City of Fresno today issued a statement regarding the State Controller’s report finding to require the City of Fresno’s Housing Successor to transfer affordable housing assets to the Successor Agency and seek Oversight Board approval before transferring the assets back to the Housing Successor. This order has been anticipated by the City.

Councilmember Oliver Baines, Chair of the Successor Agency, issued the following statement:

“This is an outrageous finding. We attempted to work with the Controller’s Office to seek a resolution. However, they’re overlooking and ignoring the letter and intent of the law, forcing litigation.”

Assistant City Attorney Douglas Sloan added the following:

“The City disagrees with the Controller’s interpretation of state law, as noted in a detailed reply attached to the Controller’s report. The City has sought to meet and discuss the issues with the Controller’s office, but the Controller has refused. The City has authorized suit to be filed to seek a court order reversing the Controller’s decision. The State has already been sued approximately 50 times over similar redevelopment dissolution issues.”